Cowichan Mustimuhw

Cowichan Tribes has a long history and a deep connection with Ye'yumnuts. Cowichan people have had various relations with this place for over 2,000 years, notably as a village and as a place of burial. As a part of unceded Cowichan territory, Ye’yumnuts has been the centre of a contentious debate about its appropriate use that came to a climax over the last 25 years. Demonstrations of Cowichan Tribes’ relations with this place are highlighted below.

Hear from a hereditary Cowichan knowledge keeper about how to behave respectfully and safely when you visit​ sacred ancestral sites, like Ye'yumnuts.

Cowichan Elders play a fundamental role in holding and transmitting cultural knowledge and teachings. Hear from Cowichan Elder Luschiim about the site of Ye'yumnuts.

The Cowichan Lands Department has been involved in protecting Ye'yumnuts for many years.

Cowichan elder Luschiim explains the origin of the name Ye'yumnuts.

Cowichan Peoples and Ye'yumnuts

Cowichan elder Wes Modest participated in much of the excavation work at Ye'yumnuts providing valuable guidance to archaeologists.

In 2006 a short documentary was made chronicling Cowichan Elders and community members concerns about Ye'yumnuts, which at the time was threatened by urban development. The site is now protected, but this film is still important to understand Ye'yumnuts in the cultural and social landscape.

Cowichan Tribes' relationship with this site has deep roots in the past, but continues into the present and future. Here, Dianne Hinkley from Cowichan Tribes shares with a group of students about the significance of the plants, fish, birds and animals still found at Ye'yumnuts.

Cowichan peoples have been actively engaged in all phases of the archaeological work done at Ye'yumnuts, an important element of their dialogue and relationship with this place.

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